Point-of-care metagenomics for rapid detection of pathogens and antimicrobial resistance in eye infections
Official title: Point-of-Care Metagenomics for Rapid Detection of pathogens and Antimicrobial Resistance in Sight-Threatening Ocular Infections
Funded at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary · NIH-11418882 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A rapid near-patient test aims to quickly identify eye infections and their drug resistance to guide targeted treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $425,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY036444-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11418882 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with suspected bacterial ocular infections seeking care at participating ophthalmology centers.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose infections are not detectable by the test or who cannot undergo rapid sequencing may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on using metagenomic sequencing at or near the point of care to diagnose ocular infections more quickly and accurately. By detecting the causative organisms and their resistance genes, it seeks to shorten the time to the right therapy and reduce unnecessary broad-spectrum antibiotic use. The study will involve translating technology into a clinical workflow so clinicians can make informed treatment choices for patients with sight-threatening eye infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could receive faster, more accurate diagnoses and more effective, targeted treatments to protect vision.
How similar studies have gone: Other rapid sequencing-based diagnostics have shown promise in infectious disease settings, but this application to ocular infections is advancing
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bispo, Paulo J. M. — Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
- Study coordinator: Bispo, Paulo J. M.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.